Ashley,
Remember that you have always been a tree with feet.
Be Rooted, but Go when it is Time.
Be 100% Present.
Be Bold.
Cry when you need to.
Keep Writing and Sharing those Stories out in the world that need to be shared.
Despite your fears… No, they won’t forget you back at home.
Be Adventurous.
Say YES.
Read your letters when you need them.
Don’t forget your Passport.
Better,yet, don’t lose that identification stuff at all.
Let your Faith Rise and Fear Shrink.
Pray without ceasing.
Allow God to Define your Identity.
You’re stepping into the beginning. You are ready. Despite your feelings of “no way, I am not capable of this,” remember that God picks us up when we are weak. If you forget something, you have a team and entire Squad that will help you out. Lean into them because they will be your family for the next year. I know it’s easy to serve others more than you’d like to be served, but sometimes letting others serve you is an act of serving. Don’t shy away from your team when it gets hard or you need something, lean in more.
Smile often. Choose the positive outlook even when things are wet, dirty, stinky, and rank. It’s bound to happen. Worship even when you can’t feel Him, because that’s often when He is closest. Let go of what He wants you to let go of throughout the Race. Kick and scream as long as you need to, but at the end of all the fighting, let go – slowly and all at once.
Don’t worry about the funds, they will come because He’s gotten you this far, He won’t relent. He is Faithful and Good.
Don’t worry about the money you need to pay off from college, He has got you in His hands and even though you don’t know what you’re doing after the Race and the world wants you to know, He knows what He is doing with you. Those loans will be paid for in some way.
He is a detailed God and He is not overlooking you. He see’s you. That’s all you ever want to know, right? That you are seen and loved unconditionally? I am praying God reveals that to you in a huge way this year ahead. I pray He is continually showing you how He is always there, and I pray that He will reveal to you what the future may look like toward the end of your Race. But for now, even within the stress, worries, and in-between, I am praying that you will live into everything and be completely and wholly present with God.
Pay attention to Him. Listen always. Serve and Love. Most of all, keep your eyes open, even long after the journey is over.
This is only the beginning to your biggest adventure yet. It’s not over once 11 Months is over. It’s just beginning and He has SO MUCH in store. Faith Works. Believe it. Walk in it. Live by it.
Love From,
Your-Pre-Race-Self
